Correlation Between Vitamin D3 Levels and Glutathione in COVID-19 Patients: Evaluating Antioxidant Defense and Immune Response
Keywords:
COVID-19, Reactive Oxygen Species, Antioxidant System, Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Vitamin D3Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is associated with severe oxidative stress and immune dysregulation, which can be influenced by vitamin D3 and glutathione (GSH) levels. Both play critical roles in antioxidant defense and modulating immune responses, yet their interactions in COVID-19 patients are not fully understood. Objective: To investigate the interaction between vitamin D3 and glutathione (GSH) levels among healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A total of 342 participants were divided into two groups: 168 healthy individuals formed the control group (CG) and 174 COVID-19 patients made up the case group. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, PC), antioxidant levels (GSH), vitamin D3 levels, and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF, CRP) were assessed in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: Results showed that, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients (MDA: 4.51 ± 1.5, P = 0.001; PC: 1.83 ± 0.89, P = 0.003), while GSH levels were lower (2.90 ± 0.44, P = 0.001). Vitamin D3 levels were also significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (19.71 ± 8.72, P = 0.001). Higher oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF, CRP) were observed in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, older COVID-19 patients had higher MDA, PC, and GSH levels compared to younger patients, indicating age-related variations in oxidative stress and vitamin D3 levels. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients showed significant oxidative stress and decreased levels of glutathione and vitamin D3 compared to healthy individuals. The findings suggest a potential link between low vitamin D3 levels and impaired antioxidant defense in COVID-19, particularly in older adults.References
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